- maybe you shouldn't be running
- maybe it's just not for you
- perhaps you should just find something else to occupy your time
- maybe you're not built for running
- your body must not be able to handle it
I'll tell you what -- while I appreciate your concern for me, I realize you don't truly understand. I could have them read my blog post where I fully explained how running has impacted my life, and why it's important to me, but would it really matter?
Am I frustrated, of course... but my stress fractures are so insignificant after watching the following story; how truly inspiring and motivating. (I saw his story while watching the Ironman on tv months ago, and was in awe...)
Here's someone who was told he'd never walk again; his determination, will and strength proved them wrong! He completed the ultimate physical challenge which very few of us will ever even try or consider! I'm not looking to do an Ironman, not sure if a marathon will even be in my future, but who the hell am I to give up doing something I enjoy.
Sure, life was easier while I smoked and watched the needle on the scale move to the right, but is it the life I want? No way.
If I possess even the tiniest percentage of his determination, heart and desire, you'd better believe I'll be back to running again.
35 comments:
Thanks for sharing Brian Boyle's story - I hadn't heard of him. I'm sorry you're having to deal with negativity from others about running again! Surround yourself with the love and support you can and use that to filter out the naysayers. You know you can and you know you want to - so it seems (to me) the only thing you may have to learn is the when and the how to run again so you don't have to deal with stress fractures. Peace, my friend!
People who don't run just don't get it period! My (almost former) best friend actually DISSED my Facebook updates over the weekend, saying how 'great' she feels knowing HER evening entails a six pack, and not a 4 mile run. (she who barely acknowledged my half marathon accomplishment)
Or a well meaning family member - 'Isn't jogging bad for your knees?"
Or I've gotten the disdainful...'why would anyone want to run 13 miles and what difference is the 'point one' if you run that far?" (said with an air of 'you're an idiot')
Don't let it get to you Mel! Damn STRAIGHT you'll be back, and better than ever too. You WILL get your marathon - I'm sure of it!
Are you kidding me? OF COURSE you'll be back! Don't listen to what anyone else says -- you'll run! Sure, you may need to do something else while you heal, but that's OK. You'll be running soon!!!!
YEAH! You tell 'em!
You'll be back. It may not be today, and it may not be tomrorow, but you WILL be back.
come on back girl! :)
i hope my comment from the other day doesn't fall into the "maybe you should find something else" category... i just meant you could keep yourself busy/distracted with other enjoyments/hobbies of yours til you are back out there.
love the brian boyle story. get better and get back mel!
You're still a runner and you'll be running again, soon. It's hard when your trying to take a step forward that people want to sabotage you. Sometimes I think they do it to make themselves feel better. You know yourself and you are in the best position to decide what you need to do. Hang in there!
Excellent post! That is a great story for some perspective.
Anyonw who would say those things to you obviously just doesn't get it. Maybe they aren't athletes, or maybe they just don't have the same kind of passion for something in their lives. Do not listen to the nay sayers and negative Nellies. You will be back!!
Amen! Tell all those people to take their negativity and shove it. :)
Woo-Woo-Woo-Woo! You tell them girl! I'm guessing that most of the negativity comes from non-runners who just don't get it. Keep on running when you're good and ready. Ignore the six-pack beer belly bozos!
Darn right, Mel! This level of determination will only help you... just make sure it doesn't get you back on the roads too quickly. :)
We all deal with a certain level of negativity from those "non-runners", but you seem to get the brunt of it!! LOL!! Hang in there, my friend... you WILL run again! It's in your blood now, you could never shake that off...
Be proud of what you've accomplished so far, and try hard to ignore those knuckleheads... you'll be back, and I betcha you'll be back even stronger!!! :)
I have no doubt that you will be back!
You've caught the running bug and thankfully it is a hard one to lose.
Best of luck with your recovery.
THEY just don't get it! F off all you nay sayers! You will be fixed, you'll feel better, you'll heal..don't get me wrong, it'll take time and suck BUT you'll be back at it. Always appreciate that which is taken away from you...
You'll be back - and stronger. :-)
Mel it's hard, but try not to listen to them. Your passion will see you back on the pavement in no time.
If all else fails, move to Australia - you get nothing but love here the second you mention you're a runner :)
Mel it's hard, but try not to listen to them. Your passion will see you back on the pavement in no time.
If all else fails, move to Australia - you get nothing but love here the second you mention you're a runner :)
OH, yeah, you'll be back! Non-runners just don't get it!
Great story about Brian Boyle. I had not heard that one. What an inspiration. As for you, to hell with the naysayers. You run because of the great feeling you get from it. Keep it going!! Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game. You'll get past them Just keep doing what you do best-RUN!
You will be back, bah to your naysayers :)
I have no doubt you'll be back. Non-runners really just don't get it! you'll show them!
I KNOW that you will be back!!! :)
WOO HOO! YES YOU WILL! That's the spirit! you can tell all those nah sayers-BOO! and Bite me! Rock on baby! This is but a mere setback....the long road is the one you are on! You will be back and you will run that marathon!
Those who run...we know you'll be back...
To the rest of 'em, just smile and nod (and internally shake your head, like the rest of us are right now).
Oh yes...you'll be back. We all know it. Make it your blanket :-)
Way to hang in there! You got the right attitude sister. Sitting around with a 'butt' hanging out of our mouths and slamming 'ding dongs' is way easier, but that does nothing for the mind like a good run! Easier said than done, but this time will pass and you'll be feeling the endorphins soon! ;-)
Go get 'em tiger. I have been told similar things from PTs and Dr's with all the injuries I've had. But I'm gonna keep going! Glad to know I won't be alone. You rock!!
Oh but you do:
possess even the tiniest percentage of his determination, heart and desire, you'd better believe I'll be back to running again.
YOU SO DO!!!
I have ZERO doubt that you will be back :)
Never forget that the reason that people tell you not to run is so that THEY will feel better about their decision not to do it. You will never, ever hear a runner tell you not to run.
You'll be back - no doubt about it!
Yeah, you tell 'em! And when you're back, I'll be right there with you!
I loved seeing this! Thanks for posting it.
Wow, this came at just the right time for me! Thanks for reminding all of us who needed it!
Two comments--Your blog shuts my browswer down about half the time.
And more importantly--who cares what other people think. We are a lazy country and anyone who pushes their body is some how wrong. Running has changed your life!!!! Keep it up and you will be back. Fractures heal over time--the joy running brings lasts a lifetime.
You've already come back more than once right?!?
I say Damn Straight Girl!! Wonder Woman wasn't a quitter either!!
Sorry that you are in pain tho...
I believe you will be back too! You INSPIRE ME....I know you can do it!
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